fatty liver disorder

What is Fatty Liver and How to get rid of it?

The liver is one of the vital organs of the human body responsible for detoxification of the waste products. It breaks down the unwanted body fat and releases it from the body in different processes like bowel movements and others. If the normal function of the liver gets obstructed by underlying diseases or other reasons-then instead of releasing it deposits fats in the body and especially in the Liver tissues. However, there are lifestyle changes that can be adopted to get rid of fatty liver problem. Likewise, it also reduces the excess Liver and unwanted body fat.    

The problem occurs when the amount of fats in the liver cells exceeds than usual. According to health specialists, more than 5% fat on the liver is considered as problematic.   

The primary victims of fatty liver are people who drink excessive alcohol regularly. In addition to this, other underlying health disorders that cause a rise in this problem are type 2 diabetes and obesity.   

The number of patients suffering from the fatty liver is increasing day by day throughout the world. Although, it is not a compulsion that the patients with excessive fat on liver are alcoholic or diabetic. There are many other underlying causes which leads to the problem.   

Essential facts about fatty liver  

  • The health problem does not show significant symptoms in the body.  
  • If left untreated, it can lead to other critical or even life-threatening health problems.   
  • If you are continuously trying to lose weight but are not successful, then you should consider the problem, I.e. fatty liver problem.  

So, if this is the case, then you should consider this health problem and take all the necessary measures required. A few of the measures are discussed below in the article.   

Causes of fatty liver  

Before discussing the treatment and remedies to relieve the disorder, it is vital to have a look at the grounds. The problem can arise in anyone, including young ones but is more common in men having heavy belly fat. Some of the common causes of developing a fatty liver are here below.

Excessive alcohol consumption  

Alcohol is a primary factor which affects the overall human health and primarily the liver functioning. When taken in excessive quantity alcohol hampers the normal liver function causing the accumulation of fats, particularly in the abdominal area. In addition to developing fat, alcohol disrupts liver functioning leading it to chronic damage over time.   

Smoking  

Smoking is linked to fatty liver disorder. Nicotine present in the cigarette is absorbed through the lungs and enters the liver, which metabolises it immediately. Smoking affects the liver in three ways-toxicologic, immunologic and oncogenic.   

Obesity  

The second-largest community affects by the fatty liver disease are those who are overweight and obese. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease is a widespread problem in obese people. The reason is that increased body weight causes low-grade inflammation which promotes fat storage in the liver.    

Various studies have shown that losing weight helps reduce the fat on the liver as well. On the other hand, people who are obese or have gained a current weight over a short period are suffering quite commonly from fatty liver disorder.   

Insulin resistance   

It is a common finding that patients of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome are more commonly suffering from the non-alcoholic fatty liver problem as well. The reason behind is that insulin resistance in the body promotes fat accumulation. High levels of fat accumulation are not metabolised quickly and result in fatty liver disorder as well as obesity.  

Conversely, people with a high amount of fatty liver and obesity are more prone to diabetes and metabolic disorders.   

Increased consumption of Refined Carbohydrates  

Increased sugar consumption is bad for health but specifically harmful to liver health. These are particularly bad for people with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The body of these patients is unable to detoxify these carbs and results in the deposition of fatty tissues on the liver.   

Other foods and drinks like sugary beverages contain high levels of fructose which leads to accumulation of fat in the liver.   

Excess Abdominal Fat  

According to the research study, “fat infiltration is more commonly associated with abdominal fat. Fatty liver tends to be more strongly associated with VF compared to SF. In other words, if a non-obese patient exhibits fatty liver, the patient may in fact have visceral obesity. Likewise, not all patients who have a large amount of SF develop fatty liver.”  

In general, the person with an increased waistline than the overall size of the body means that they have excess fat in abdominal area-which can lead to a fatty liver problem.   

Gut Impairments  

People who are suffering from digestive tract problems or gut impairments are more likely to suffer from the problem. Due to lack of proper gut functioning, the accumulation of fat starts increasing in the liver. This condition also falls under the category of Non-alcoholic fatty Liver disease.   

What are the symptoms of fatty liver disease?  

Unfortunately, the fatty liver disease does not show any apparent symptoms unless the problem progresses to LIVER CIRRHOSIS. Some of the common symptoms associated with fatty liver include  

  • Abdominal pain in the upper right side of the abdomen  
  • Nausea   
  • Loss of appetite  
  • Weight loss  
  • Jaundice (yellowness of eyes and pale skin)  
  • Swelling in abdominal areas and legs  
  • Tiredness and weakness  

If you are continuously suffering from these symptoms without any other major health disorder, then it is better to have a check-up.   

How can reducing liver fat help reduce weight?  

The liver has a primary role in the digestive function of the body by releasing the enzymes. These enzymes break down and absorb the essential food nutrients in the body and removal of waste by-products. It also regulates the levels of insulin, glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure and immunity.   

As responsible for some prime regulatory functions of the body, the organ needs care and health precautions. Unhealthy foods, beverages and bad lifestyle directly impacts the liver and causes inflammation. It is due to the accumulation of toxic residues which builds up in liver and promotes obesity.   If the inflammatory condition develops then hardcore exercise and calories restricted diet goes in vain. Despite the extreme effort, you are not going to lose any weight or inches. Conversely, some people start gaining more weight. Therefore, it is essential to lose liver fat to reduce the extra stubborn fat of the body.   

There are a few changes in your daily routine that can improve the indications of fatty liver. Read below in the article.   

Eat food that helps in weight loss   

Many food items prove to help reduce fat on liver and improve the health of the organ. Researches show that these foods help lower the enzyme level in liver which is beneficial in enhancing the functionality of liver. These include   

  • Monosaturated fats: avocados, olive oil, nut etc  
  • Whey protein  
  • Green tea   
  • Soluble fibre  

According to Healthline “In one study, liver fat and insulin resistance decreased significantly more when people consumed a Mediterranean diet than when they consumed a low-fat, high-carb diet, even though weight loss was similar on both diets (33Trusted Source)”.  

Exercise  

Studies have shown that regular exercise or training helps reduce liver fat. “In a four-week study, 18 obese adults with NAFLD who exercised for 30–60 minutes five days per week experienced a 10% decrease in liver fat, even though their body weight remained stable (44Trusted Source).”  

“In another study, 22 diabetics who worked out twice per week for 12 months had similar reductions in liver fat and abdominal fat, regardless of whether their exercise intensity was considered low-to-moderate or moderate-to-high (47Trusted Source).”  

It is essential to work out daily. You are even choosing a low resistance exercise that you can perform every day.   

Supplements that can help in improving fatty liver   

There are a few supplements that can be helpful in reducing symptoms along with dietary and lifestyle changes to improve the condition.   

  • Milk thistle  
  • N-acetylcysteine (NAC)  
  • Artichoke leaf  
  • Berberine  
  • Omega-3- Fatty Acid  

Message to take  

Fatty liver may lead to certain chronic disorders. Fortunately, it can be addressed and reduced before it is too late.  A good diet, healthy lifestyle, medicines, including supplements, can decrease the risk of disease progression resulting in chronic liver problems.   


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